The project is a full reconstruction of two and a half miles of Trapelo Road and Belmont Street extending from Mill Street to Ericsson Street and involves upgrading the catenary wire system that powers the MBTA buses, reconstruction of the existing sidewalks, improved cycling accommodations for cyclists, and better coordination of traffic signals at the intersections of Trapelo Road and Mill Street; a pedestrian signal east of Agassiz Street; Pleasant Street; Lexington Road, Shaw’s Drive, and Moraine Street; and Lexington Street at Thayer Street and Church Street.

“This project is an opportunity to address long-standing concerns of congestion as well as concerns surrounding the mixing of buses, motor vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians,” said Administrator DePaola. “This project gives us a chance to be smart about how we reconfigure the roadway so that all modes can share this corridor in a safe and efficient manner.”

“I want to congratulate the Towns of Belmont and Watertown for getting to this point. The project will greatly improve both communities,” said Senator Brownsberger (D-Belmont). “There is lots of hard work ahead, but I am grateful for the huge contributions already made to the project -- by the towns' professional staff, by the towns' leaders, by all the volunteers and by all the citizens who participated in the planning process. From here on out, the challenge is to execute the well made plans.”

“Thanks and congratulations to Senator Brownsberger and the many other state and local officials who have worked to get this project underway,” said Representative Hecht. “I'm very hopeful it will bring major improvements for transportation, local business and quality of life.”

MassDOT’s contractor for the project is Newport Construction Corporation. The $17.122 million job is expected to take two years to complete.

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